One of the most frequent and least understood emergencies that homeowners often deal with is something called "water damage." There are many things that can contribute to water damage, and among those are a burst pipe, overflowing washing machine, or sewer backup; and many people believe that "water is water."
In actuality, the type of water damage can vary greatly between the three categories of water damage (clean, grey, and black), and understanding how all three of these categories of water damage work will allow homeowners to prevent health risks and reduce the amount of damage that can be caused by putting off getting professional help.
The Importance of Finding Out the Water Category
To accurately classify water damage, you must first understand the contamination level of each category of water damage.
If you do not recognize the differences between these categories, then you may make a manageable situation into an extremely hazardous health risk. The longer you allow clean water to remain undisturbed, the greater the likelihood of clean water turning into grey water.
Clean Water Damage
Clean water damage refers to the damage done by a source that was not immediately harmful to one’s health (for example, broken supply lines, an overflowing sink/tub, or when rainwater leaks through the roof as a result of severe flooding). At this stage, the water does not have harmful bacteria or contaminants, but this can change within a day or two.
Clean water damage still requires urgent action. Clean water that is not treated immediately can result in extensive structural damage to the affected area as it seeps into drywall, flooring, insulation, and framing (it now has the perfect environment to grow mold).
The risk and difficulty of cleaning grey water will increase significantly, therefore increasing the need for immediate Residential Water Damage Restoration in Glendale services.
Grey Water Damage
Grey water damage refers to any wastewater that comes from sanitary appliances used in homes, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets. Grey water is considered moderate risk, as it can be potentially harmful to health if consumed or if it comes into contact with skin.
Grey water should not be treated the same as pure water because of the potential health risks it may pose.
Grey water may contain bacteria, chemicals, detergents, and organic matter (food waste). Skin contact with these substances can result in irritation and/or illnesses, while airborne particles from grey water can negatively impact indoor air quality.
Professionals in Water Damage Restoration Glendale utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), containment, and proper methods of disinfecting your home to prevent cross-contamination during the restoration process.
Black Water Damage
Black water is unsafe and highly contaminated. It contains harmful bacteria, viruses, sewage, and a variety of hazardous materials. The major sources include sewer backups (due to broken pipes), overflowing toilets (which contain human waste), flooding, and water coming from rivers (through storm surges).
Black water can cause serious illness (from exposure to chemicals and pathogens) as well as respiratory illnesses (due to fungus and mold). Pathogens found in black water can continue to thrive on surfaces, even after visible water has been cleaned up, so people can get sick from exposure to contaminated surfaces long after a black water incident occurs.
Cleanup of black water must only be performed by a trained professional and requires a specialized skill set and appropriate protective equipment. Therefore, if you need Residential Water Damage Restoration in Glendale, it's best to seek the help of professionals.
Clean Water Can Quickly Become Grey or Black Water
As soon as water enters a home, it immediately begins to pick up contaminants. Clean water that becomes contaminated through contact with natural (dirt, toxins, etc.) or man-made (roofing materials, construction debris, etc.) items can become grey or black in a matter of minutes or hours. The longer you wait to take action, the higher the risk of the situation becoming an emergency.
As contamination levels increase, the greater the chances you will have to remove and replace more materials. A simple drying process could change to include a large amount of demolition, sanitizing, and mold remediation, all of which require more financial resources.
Acting quickly reduces risks, limits damage, and decreases overall restoration costs.
Long-Term Structural Damage Risk for All Types of Water
All categories of water damage will compromise your home's drywall, wood framing, flooring, and insulation. Water damage may not immediately weaken a structure, yet prolonged exposure can lead to rotting, warping, and structural instability.
Hidden moisture behind walls and under flooring can create damage to the structure long after the water has been removed.
To achieve complete drying of the affected areas, professional restoration teams utilize moisture meters, thermal imaging, and professional drying equipment. In Glendale, the combination of indoor humidity and trapped moisture will cause accelerated mold growth.
Why Professional Monitoring Is Essential
Glendale’s professional Water Damage Restoration includes constant moisture monitoring to ensure that conditions do not support mold growth following cleanup. This is something frequently overlooked when you clean up yourself.
Both contaminated water and mold spores can travel through the air and into our homes, negatively impacting indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality may lead to allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, fatigue, and more.
Proper containment and air filtration during the restoration process will protect individuals in the affected space.
Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems (such as the sick) have an increased risk from the presence of mold and bacteria. Because of this, if you are dealing with mold infestation or have been exposed to water, it is vital to have a professional clean up your property, even if you do not want to pay for it.
What to Search for When It Comes to "Residential Water Damage Restoration Near Me"
If you need residential water damage restoration, contact professionals immediately if any of the following conditions apply:
- The water came from sewage or another flood
- The water source is unknown
- Water has been present for over 24 hours
- Multiple rooms were impacted by the water
- There is a pungent odor present or visible contamination
Acting fast and searching for “Residential Water Damage Restoration Near Me” can save you from serious health and/or structural issues.
How Professionals Handle Different Types of Water After a Flood
Each category of water damage has a specific approach to restoring the property, which is best performed by trained professionals.
- Clean Water Restoration: The main focus of clean water restoration is the rapid removal of standing water, the drying of affected surfaces, and continual moisture monitoring to stop future damage from occurring.
- Grey Water Restoration: Grey water restoration consists of three steps: removing affected materials, disinfecting affected surfaces, and preventing cross-contamination.
- Black Water Restoration: Black water cleanup consists of containment procedures, disposal of contaminated materials with deep sanitization processes, and strict safety measures.
Most insurance companies have different coverage amounts for clean, grey, and black water damage, depending on the water’s source and the time mitigation began.
Professionally documented evidence of water damage restoration by a Residential Water Damage Restoration in Glendale can support insurance claims and prevent disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Categories
Rainbow Restoration Is a Trusted Source for Water Damage Restoration in Glendale
If your home is damaged by water and you are unsure what type of water is involved, acting quickly is essential. Rainbow Restoration of Glendale provides comprehensive Residential Water Damage Restoration services for clean water, grey water, and black water situations. They utilize advanced equipment, proven processes, and consistent moisture monitoring to restore your home effectively and safely.
From emergency response through completion of the cleanup and restoration process, Rainbow Restoration of Glendale serves as a reliable partner for homeowners seeking responsible water damage clean-up. Contact us today to schedule a restoration consultation.
